Technology - Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.

Head Office (Osaka)
5-33, Kitahama 4-chome, Chuo-ku, Osaka 541-0041, Japan
Tel: +81 6 6220 4141
http://global-sei.com/
March 2012

R&D organization
Business segments and
creation of new products
R&D General Managing Unit
New business segments
(Environment & Resources, Life Sciences,
Safety/Security/Ubiquitous Networking)
Five existing business segments
Electric Wire & Cable, Energy
Technology
R&D General
Planning Division
Semiconductor
Technologies
R&D Laboratories
P18
Analysis Technology
Research Center
P10
New Business Frontier
R&D Laboratories
P04 P05 P08
Materials and
Processs
Technology R&D Unit
Electronics &
Materials R&D Laboratories
Power System
R&D Laboratories
Automotive
Technology
R&D Laboratories
P12
Industrial Materials
and Process Technology
R&D Laboratories
P16
Electronics
Information & Communications
Automotive
Industrial Materials
R&D General
Planning Division
Marketing
R&D Planning
Exploration/Surveys
Technical management
Human resource
development
Analysis Technology
Research Center
Analysis and evaluation
CAE analysis
New Business Frontier
R&D Laboratories
Automotive Technology
R&D Laboratories
Lifescience Business Development Department
Compovision ®
Water Business Development Department
‘‘Ecomarine TM ’’ ballast water management system
Desalination pretreatment system (TT unit)
Agriculture Business Development Department
Nutrient Culture System
HEV/EV motor components
HEV/EV reactors
Automotive PLC unit
High-temperature superconducting motor
Power System R&D
Laboratories
Concentrator photovoltaic
Battery energy storage system
Power conditioner
Distributed electric power system
High-temperature superconducting tape
Industrial Materials and Process Technology
R&D Laboratories
High-Strength Magnesium
Alloy Sheet and its application
High performance cemented carbide
and cermet cutting tools
CVD, PVD coating and its application products
High-performance cBN tool,
nano-polycrystalline diamond tool
Low-Iron-Loss Soft Magnetic
Powder Cores and Applications
High Strength P/M Aluminum
Alloy and Applications
High Strength Steel Wires
for Valve Springs
High Strength Saw Wires
Optical Ceramincs for
laser material processing
High thermal conductivie
AlN ceramics and its application
Innovation Core
SEI, Inc.
P27
Overseas operations
ons
P14
P20
Information andCommunications
Technology R&D Unit
Transmission
Devices
R&D Laboratories
P22
Information &
Communications
Laboratories
Optical
Communications
R&D Laboratories
P24
Semiconductor Technologies
R&D Laboratories
Compound semiconductors and devices
Crystal growth characterization technology
Information & Communications
Laboratories
Optical access system
Wireless access system
IP terminals
Road traffic systems
Safety & Security,
Ubiquitous Networking
Image/Radio frequency sensors
Electronics & Materials R&D Laboratories
Transmission Devices
R&D Laboratories
Flexible printed circuits
Anisotropic conductive film
High speed flat transmission cable
Micro flex coaxial cables and harnesses
Environmentally friendly battery materials
Metallic nano-pastes & links
Optical communication devices
Optical communication modules
Next generation transmission technologies
Optical communication data links
Wireless communication devices
Polymer nano-composite based heat-shrinkable tubes
SUMI-CARD with innovative functions
Next-generation magnet wire
Insulation material technology for high-voltage power cable
Heat spreader materials
Molten salt electrolysis batteries
Optical Communications
R&D Laboratories
High capacity transmission fiber
Low bending loss fiber
Optical modules for optical nodes
Optical interconnection technology
High-power optic applications
02 03

R&D General
Planning Division
New Business
Frontier R&D Laboratories
The R&D General Planning Division, concurrently part of both R&D Units, specially
handles tasks common to the Company’s R&D activities, mainly in the areas of research
planning, management and assistance.
Research planning
To enhance R&D activities of individual Laboratories, we investigate and analyze information external to the Sumitomo Electric Group
that relates to advanced technologies, market and competition trends, etc. We comply and classify information on core technologies
and other resources internal to the Sumitomo Electric Group, so as to promote optimal utilization of our technologies. We also explore
and develop new research themes. We encourage collaboration between Laboratories and external research institutions, as well as
Laboratories’ participation in government-funded projects, so as to promote R&D activities that optimally utilize external resources.
Research management
We manage overall pursuit of the R&D Group's research activities by supervising projected and actual budgets, personnel arrangements
and research achievements; reporting R&D Group activities to management; and communicating management policies to the Laboratories.
Lifescience Business Development Department
The Lifescience Business Development Department promotes product development in
the life science field, based on Sumitomo Electric’s core technologies.
Our activities presently center around the development and commercialization of
Compovision ® , a compositional imaging system making use of the characteristics of near
infrared light. We intend to develop a variety of products in the future.
Development of Compovision ®
We work on the development of Compovision ® , which, using optical communications devices and material technologies, renders
two-dimensional images of material composition and concentration distribution in real time in a nondestructive and contactless
manner. Compovision ® serves as an inspection system for safety and quality control of products and materials. With this imaging
system, Sumitomo Electric aims to gain a substantial market share of the pharmaceutical and food industries.
We also promote activities of individual research project teams through progress analysis, advice in research planning, formation of organizational
units appropriate to different development stages, and allotment of human resources. We control budget implementation relating
to projects using external funds, including national government-led projects. We conduct human resource development for the entire
R&D Group, formulate regulations concerning compliance, information management, etc. and provide relevant education to researchers.
Optical Communications
R&D Laboratories
NewBusinessFrontierR&DLaboratories/
Lifesciece BusinessDevelopment Department
Development of near
infrared light source
(SC light source)
Development of
near infrared camera
Transmission Devices R&D Labs./
Semiconductor Technologies R&D Labs.
Research assistance
To assist the Laboratories in their research activities, we maintain a staff of research assistants, manage them, supervise their duties
and assignments, maintain and control research facilities, equipment, materials, etc.
R&D expenses (including development expenses at production groups)
Development of
highly nonlinear fiber
Development of
near infrared sensor
100
¥bn
80
60
40
723
37.5
790
45.1
850
49.0
Business Unit Market Trend Key Technology/Activity
Automotive
Information &
Communications
Electronics
Environmental (HEV/EV)
Light weight
Safety
Comfort
Capa increase in trunk line,
FTTH, Wireless access,
High speed wiring, Opticalwiring,
Net working of domestic appliances,
Safety, Energy saving,
Power device
Compact, High density,
Light weight,
Energy saving
Aluminum WH, FineCu-SUSWH,
High voltage WH for HEV/EV, Booster circuit parts,
Next generation automotive LAN,
Solid Libattery, Electronic control unit,
Automotivepower distributor
High speed link/module, GaN electronic device,
Photonic NW module, Optical wiring,
Next generation optical fiber for trunk line,
Applied optical power, Optical & wireless access,
IP unit, Appliance for image distribution,
ITS wireless appliance, Sensor technology for
image and radio wave, SiC power device
High performance FPC, High density parts &
materials, Tab-lead for automotive,
Metal nanoparticle, Large GaN substrate,
Green GaN laser, GaN power device,
Next generation semiconductor material
Information &
Communications Labs.
Development of
identification algorithm
Development of
spectral database
20
0
17.5 17.1
16.0
5.0
5.6 5.4
7.6 7.2
9.5
4.1 4.2 5.5
2009 2010 2011 E
Electric Wire,
Cable & Energy
Industrial
Materials
Energy saving,
Environmental,
Paradigm shift of energy,
Battery
High accuracy machining,
High performance
automotive parts,
Rare material measures
High temperature superconducting wirecablecoil,
electricity controlling apparatus,
Solar power generation, RF battery,
Molten-salt battery, Aluminum celmet,
High voltage insulating technology, HV coil
High performance tooling materials
(Hardmetal, Diamond, CBN),
High performancemagnetic powder, Magnesium alloy,
High performance special steel wire,
Infrared optical material, Tungsten recycling technology
Development of Compovision ® Development of inspection/
diagnostic system
User (food plants, pharmaceutical factories, etc.)
04 05

New Business Frontier R&D Laboratories
Applications of Compovision ®
Compovision ® reveals slight compositional changes and
differences in two-dimensional images. Its application
examples include the following:
Quantitative protein inspection
Protein denaturation inspection
Fatty acid inspection
Moisture inspection
Foreign matter (hair, etc.) determination
Fat distribution measurement
Hair determination example
Image by
Compovision ®
Visible-light image
White hair
Black hair
Dyed hair
Fatty acid reflection spectrum analysis results (each sample size: n = 4)
Visible-light
image
Heavy Light
Treatment temp.
Acid A A
Image by
Compovision ®
(Moisture content)
High
Acid M
Low
Image by
Compovision ®
(Protein denaturation)
Acid K
Acid C
Acid B
Acid D
Acid H
Acid E
Measurements in a broad band of wavelengths from
1,000 to 2,350 nm enable identification of some 10 fatty acids.
Acid F F
Acid G
Examples of the moisture content of heated cheese and protein denaturation
Water Business Development Department
We work on the development of water treatment system to contribute to improving
global water shortage and water environment issues based on our unique polytetrafluoroethylene
(PTFE) membrane technology in combination with ideas created from flexible
mindsets.
‘‘Ecomarine TM ’’ ballast water management system
We successfully developed the ‘‘Ecomarine TM ’’ ballast water management system that is simply composed of filter and UV units
applicable to high-turbidity seawater to address aquatic organisms in ballast water discharged from ships that have grown in foreign
marine environments and caused environment issues.
The ‘‘Ecomarine TM ’’ is an energy-saving and eco-friendly system that removes large aquatic organisms with filter and eliminates
small ones with UV without need for chemicals.
Intake sea water
Seawater
intake
P
Pump
Seawater
Treated
water
1Removal of large
plankton
Filter unit
Filter unit
Ballast water
2Sterilization by
uitraviolet irradiation
Ballast water tank
Ultraviolet system
Untreated seawater
discharged
This example illustrates the detection of white,
black and dyed hair placed against a white background.
(Hair portions indicated in red)
These examples show subtle changes in the moisture content
of heated cheese and in protein denaturation.
Agriculture Business Development Department
Drain ballast water
Filter unit
Filter unit
Sterilization by
ultraviolet irradiation
Ultraviolet system
Based on our nutrient culture system we have developed for years, Agriculture Business
Development Department aims at stable supply of vegetables and other plants through
industrially-managed production.
P
Pump
Ballast water
Ballast water tank
Treated water
drained
Nutrient Culture System
Products
Fertigation
Controller
(Water Source)
Liquid Fertilizer
Dilution Unit
Drip Fertigation
Tube
Fertigation
Control Unit
Sandculture Bed
Butter Lettuce
Grape Tomato
Desalination pretreatment system (TT unit)
Seawater Desalination System
Conventional
System
Hypochlorous
acid
Intake
Pretreatment
Iron chloride
Pond
TT Unit
under development
Intake
Primary
filtration
Sand filter
Secondary
filtration
Sand filter
MF, UF membrane
TT Unit
Sulfuric acid
Sodium bisulfite
Sulfuric acid
Security filter
Security filter
Desalination
RO
membrane
RO
membrane
Removing turbidity efficiently
Reducing chemical use
Seawater desalination is expected to significantly grow in
demand due to global water shortage. The challenge is that
jellylike transparent exo-polymer particles (TEP) in seawater
cause a dramatic reduction in membrane permeability.
We developed the desalination pretreatment system (TT unit) that
is composed of TEP Trap (TT) membrane to remove TEP
efficiently in combination with cleaning mechanism.
This system allows the treatment at higher flow rate compared to
conventional pretreatment membrane and the dramatic reduction
in needed membrane area and treatment cost.
06 07

Power System
R&D Laboratories
Redox flow battery
Renewable energy power sources
Power generating facilities and devices
(solar, wind power, etc.)
Electric power system
and electric power plant NW
Power generation
Control center
Wind and solar power
Power transmission
Devices/control technology to stabilize electric power systems
Energy saving devices and electric power monitoring/control technology
SiC inverter
HEMS, DSM, DR and Home NW
Interface with electrical load products
V2G system
Large load
(air conditioners,
refrigerators, etc.)
to supply
side
Transformation
Monitor
Heat pump
Water heater
Storage
battery
Next-generation power transmission/distribution network (new cables/transmission lines, DC power transmission, superconductivity)
Stabilizing devices (storage batteries, transformers, SVC, preventing isolated operation, etc.)
Automated, system operating system
Server
Distribution
Consumption or
distributed power sources
s
The Power System R&D Laboratories newly opened in
January 2010 to promote business development in line
with technological innovations in the electric power infrastructure
sector (such as expanded use of renewable energies
and advanced electric power infrastructure using information
and communications technology). More specifically,
the laboratories promote research and development of
elemental technologies, commercial products, equipment
and systems that are essential for smart grid construction.
In a power system using power generated by renewable energy, the storage
battery plays the critical role of storing and discharging electric power
in response to fluctuations in generated electric power. Redox flow batteries
are suitable for irregular, highly fluctuating charge/discharge operations,
enabling accurate monitoring and control of stored electric power.
Accordingly, they are optimal storage batteries for smart grids designed for
efficient use of solar, wind power and other renewable energy resources.
We are focusing product development efforts on redox flow batteries for
use in smart grids on a fully commercial basis.
Power conditioner and POWER DEPO TM storage battery system
Micro smart-grid demonstration system
(Left) A PV inverter converts generated DC power to AC power. Provided
with voltage control and communications functions, it also
Display/
operation terminal
DC power
AC power
Information
Photovoltaic
DC/DC
Converter コンバータ
Smart distributor
Small wind turbine
DC/DC
Converter コンバータ
Inverter
Intelligent tap
Redox flow battery
Bi-Directional DC/DC
Converter コンバータ
EV charging station
Concentrator photovoltaic
DC/DC
Converter コンバータ
We have developed a micro smart-grid demonstration
system and have been testing it at our Osaka Works. Four
types of renewable power generators and a storage battery
are DC-interconnected, and natural energy and power
demand fluctuations are sophisticatedly managed, thereby
ensuring stable and efficient power supply for facilities and
equipment (loads).
Smart distributor and intelligent tap
We also develop devices that support
power usage visualization equipment
Energy
management
server
resolves natural energy problems such as fluctuations in output
power.
(Right) Prototype of POWER DEPO TM storage battery system
Central control server (EMS server)
Concentrator photovoltaic
Superconductor electric vehicle
and demand response required by the
EMS (energy management system),
such as smart distributors and intelligent
taps.
Internet
Smart distributor
Intelligent tap
The power generation efficiency of concentrator photovoltaic
(CPV) is about twice that of silicon solar panels currently
on the market, since CPV cells are made from a special
compound semiconductor material. By being installed
at an elevated position, concentrator panels provide usable
space underneath them. Expectations are high for CPV as a
next-generation photovoltaic. In the newly developed CPV
(1 kW power), panels are thinner and lighter than those of
conventional CPV.
Superconducting tape
Bismuth-based superconductors have moved from the research phase to commercialization,
with development work being promoted by the Superconductivity Technology Division.
Home gateway
Sumitomo Electric developed the world’s first, weak magnetic, high
strength, textured metal substrate. A buffer layer and an yttriumbased
superconducting layer are deposited on this substrate in
sequence by sputtering and pulsed laser deposition, respectively.
This superconducting wire exhibits 3 MA/cm 2 or higher critical current
that is applicable for practical use.
08 09

Analysis Technology
Research Center
3D structure visualization
The Analysis Technology Research Center supports the Sumitomo Electric Group’s
manufacturing, product development, business development and technological foundation.
The Center is active at three sites, in Osaka, Itami and Yokohama, uses advanced
large research facilities (SPring-8, Earth Simulator, etc.) outside the Company, and
boasts sophisticated analysis techniques and computer aided engineering (CAE).
Strategic CAE infrastructure development
Microfocus X-ray CT system
Dual focused-ionbeam
machining
and observation system
3D observation of internal strand structure of multicore cable
IC device internal structure
Continuous observation of
FIB-machined cross sections
3D rendering
Three-dimensional structure visualization has been developed
for composite materials, parts and products to reveal:
・internal structures
・desired specific areas
・objects as they are
This technology is useful for improving product quality and
developing solutions to problems.
Yokohama
General computation server
IBM System p570
CPU: 16-core, 4.7 GHz clock speed
Memory: 384 GB
IBM Blade Center HS22
・INTEL Xeon X5570 2.93GHz
128CPU(8CPU×16Nodes)
High-speed networks
In-house
Affiliates
Itami
General computation server
The use of CAE is not simply intended to improve product
development efficiency. We regard it as a key technology
for attaining increased market competitiveness. Our efforts
are directed toward infrastructure development to enhance
the core CAE functionality of the Sumitomo Electric Group.
Elemental mapping with sub-micron resolution
We work on the development of a technology to visualize,
with high spatial resolution, the distribution of a lowconcentration
dopant that determines the characteristics of
functional materials and parts, using an electron probe
microanalyzer.
Electron probe
microanalyzer
Elemental mapping of sintered aluminum nitride
Impurity deposits at
grain boundaries
(1μm)
SEM image
High
Crystal grain
boundary
Crystal
grain
Low
For widespread use of CAE for analytical purposes
Nanometer-level structural analysis
Power cable accessories
and analysis example
Required time (day)
Automated system
6
Result processing
5
Computation
Mesh generation
4
3
Analysis time reduced to one-fifth
2
1
0
Conventional method Automated system
We promote the development and widespread use of CAE
analysis techniques that are useful for product designing.
Our efforts include providing training to designers and
developing simplified/automatic analysis systems. Thus, we
work on the transfer of analysis techniques to design
departments using procedures that precisely meet designers’
needs.
EDX detector
Characteristic
X-ray
Thin-film
specimen
High-angle
scattered
electrons
Transmitted
electrons
Incident electrons
SE/BSE detector
Secondary/
Back-scattered electron
Probe diameter: 0.1 nm
Annular dark-field detector
(HAADF)
Bright-field detector
Scanning transmission
electron microscope (STEM)
Si [110] dumbbell structure
Si crystal model
Our efforts are directed toward developing a nanometerlevel
structural analysis technology in order to establish an
analytical technology and its applications, principally using
scanning transmission electron microscopes and conducting
crystal structure analyses.
Electric wire service life prediction
Analysis on the atomic scale using synchrotron radiation and first-principles calculation
Mobile phone hinges, automotive doors and robot arms
have electric wires and cables installed in their moving
parts. We work on the development of a computer simulation
technology for predicting the service life of such wires
and cables until breakage due to twisting and bending.
We work on technological development such as structural
analysis of materials at the atomic scale and in-situ reaction
analysis, using synchrotron radiation and neutrons.
Moreover, our aims include elucidation of characteristic
development mechanisms and exploration of new materials,
in which the aforementioned technology is combined
with first-principles calculation and other simulations.
Large synchrotron radiation facility (SPring-8)
Electrons revolve in
storage ring 500 m in diameter.
Courtesy:
Japan Synchrotron
High-intensity
Radiation Research Institute
X-rays
Earth Simulator
Courtesy:
Japan Agency for Marine-
Earth Science and Technology
Radial distribution function
Structural analysis example
(Er-doped optical fiber)
Measurement by SPring-8 X-rays
Molecular dynamics simulation
Interatomic distance (nm)
10 11

Automotive Technology
R&D Laboratories
Power electronics technology
Our mission is to conduct research in the automotive field by applying core material
technologies of Sumitomo Electric, and to develop modules for future automotive products
in collaboration with other laboratories.
Sumitomo Electric Group Automotive Products
Gateway
Engine
Motor
Magnet wire
Inverter
Gateway
Converter
Reactor
Charger
AC-DC
converter
Reactor
Battery
Reactor
Sumitomo Electric has the key component materials and
design technology for HEV/P-HEV/EV power modules. We
are currently developing reactors and converters that are
smaller and lighter than existing products.
Vehicle communication technology
Ensuring standardized communication between vehicle and
Fast
charge
AC
charge
Wiring harnesses
High-voltage power cables
Sintered materials
charging station (vehicle-to-grid communication) is an
important issue. Therefore, ISO, IEC and SAE are in the
process of setting international standards for vehicle-to-grid
Cable
communication. Sumitomo Electric has joined with ISO, IEC
and SAE, in leading the activities of JARI/JSAE in Japan.
Charging stand
Communication
Standardization:
EU:ISO/IEC
USA:SAE
Japan:JARI/JSAE
Anti-vibration rubbers
Reactor
(in development)
Evaluation/Analysis technologies
Sumitomo Electric has proprietary technologies for electromagnetic
analysis and thermal analysis that are based on
Connectors
Super conducting motor
(in development)
Magnet wires
Dust core
CAE analysis
Coil
computer aided engineering (CAE). We also have evaluation
technology with bench tests. Therefore, we are able to
develop automotive products with these design, materials,
assembly and evaluation technologies.
Automotive technology development
High-temperature superconducting motor
ATL is developing new technologies and new products as a
core member of an ABC (automotive business committee),
which is a cross-functional organization working in collaboration
with other automotive sections to correspond to the
paradigm shift in vehicle design.
Sensor
Traffic control
Gateway
Engine
Magnet Coil
Motor
Magnet wire
ITS system
Vehicle
information Information
LAN
Inverter
SiC
Heat sink
Telematix
Wireless power transfer
Gateway
ECU
W/H
Traffic
information
Converter
reactor
Smart grid
Connector
AC-DC converter
Charger
PLC unit
Battery
In order to improve battery efficiency and to extend the
range of electric vehicles, we are working on the development
of high efficiency superconducting motor. We have
succeeded in the development of the world's first electric
vehicle equipped with a superconducting motor and a
cryocooler that can greatly improve the ease of maintenance.
12 13

Electronics & Materials
R&D Laboratories
2
Polymer Meterials Technologies
Supporting the fundamental
technologies of SEI
1 Metals & Inorganic Materials Technology
Metals &
Inorganic
Materials
Technology
Wiring &
Connection
Technologies
Polymer
Meterials
Technologies
Total
enhancement
of core tech.
Insulating material for
electronics & electric
cables
Nano composite
Polymer
alloy
Compatibilizer
Miscible to
Polymer A
Polymer alloy
Polymer alloy
Miscible to
Polymer B
Halogen free materials
Polymer A
Polymer B
Electronic
Business
contribution
Heat shrincable tub
Tech. of Metals
Tech. of polymer synthesis
& compounding
Super high voltage power cable
Magnetic wire for HV
Molecular design
Polymer synthesis
Optical cable
Functional
polymer
Polymer synthesis
Synthesis of
adhesive
Wiring harness using aluminum wires
Continuous casting
Plastic forming
Material designing
Al-SiC heat-spreader
Composite material(metal/ceramics)
3
Wiring & Connection Technologies
Photosensitive polymer
Flexible printed circuit
Application of plating
Synthesis & application of metal nano particles
Ag nano particles Cu nano particles Chainlike Ni nano particles
Anisotropic Conductive Film(ACF)
Mobile devicesPC
Flat TV
Core tech. of plating
Bath development
Solution management
Process designing
Porous metalCelmet
Conductive paste
Screen-printing
Ag nano ink
Cu nano ink
Digital Camera
Molten salt electrolysis battery
FPC for HDD
Ink-jet printing
FPC with fine circuits
Non-electrolytic plating
(Cu,Ni,Au)
Electroplating
Inner electrode
(Ni Celmet)
O2
NH3 N2, H2O
Gas removal system using gas decomposing element
O2
Sumi-card ®
Module
LED lighting system
Module for cars
5μm line width
HDD
Touch panel
Paste composition, Printing, Circuit design
14 15

Industrial Material and Process
Technology R&D Laboratories
2
Powder Metallurgy/Ultra-High Pressure Technologies
1
We drive forward Sumitomo Electric’s businesses primarily in the area of industrial materials,
by developing hard, metallic, ceramic and other innovative structural and functional
materials through our powder metallurgy techniques, as well as by creating highfunctionality
products via our micro/nano and other processing technologies.
We accommodate various needs with our broad range of core technologies.
Powder
metallurgy
Ultra-high
pressure
Melting/
Casting
Core
technologies
Hard materials
Metals
Melt-Casting
Thin-film
processes
Ceramics
Plastic
deformation
Fine
processes
We offer many core technologies
to accommodate customer
needs to cope with paradigm
shifts in the market.
In the special steel wire field, we work on the development of high performance spring wires and prestressed concrete (PC)
strands, using our rolling, heat treatment, and wire-making technologies. Our recent development efforts have been focused on
saw wires used for semiconductor slicing.
Oil-tempered wires for valve springs
High hardness &
high strength
Light weight & high
corrosion resistance
Heat resistance & high
thermal conductivity
Infrared transmission &
optical control
High magnetic properties
Environment-conscious
products & conservation
of rare-earth savings
Saw wires
Special steel wires
Pearlitic structure (lamellar)
2μm
3
Thin Film/Micro-Manufacturing Technology
Cemented carbide tool
Powder magnetic cores
Ceramic coating (super lattice layer)
In the field of powder metallurgy-based materials, we have developed
cemented carbide for cutting tools, cermets, and sintered Fe
alloy and Al alloy parts for use as automotive structural members.
More recently, our development efforts have been focused on
diamonds that have a nano-order crystal structure and are harder
than natural diamonds, low-loss powder magnetic cores suitable
for high-frequency bands, and commercial products based on
these materials.
2mm
Binder-less poly-crystal diamonds
(Nano-polycrystalline diamond: NPD)
In the area of thin-film technology, we are
pursuing research on a high-hardness,
high-adhesion ceramic film coating for
cutting tools. High-hardness super lattice
layers produced via super multi-layer coatings
have gone into actual use. Our research
also includes manufacturing of ZnSe for optical
lenses, and diamonds for electronic parts
utilizing CVD technology, both of which have
been successfully commercialized.
We have successfully developed the world’s first rolled magnesium alloy sheets that boast a fine crystal structure and superior
properties to conventional castings. To this end, we applied advanced melt-casting and rolling technologies to a high corrosion
resistance alloy (AZ91), the shaping of which had previously only been possible by a casting foundry.
Housings for mobile products
Magnesium alloys
Example of use
in briefcase
Diffractive optical element
Uses a single laser beam for
simultaneous multi-point processing
We have researched, developed and applied
precision cutting and plasma etching technologies
to add higher value to our materials.
Our recent developments include diffractive
optical elements (DOE) that improve
efficiency in the use of laser beams and
diamond tools for ultra-high precision machining.
16 17

Semiconductor Technologies
R&D Laboratories
Focusing on compound semiconductors which are the key materials for photonic devices
covering ultraviolet to infrared and superior electronic devices indispensable for the
wireless communication, power electronics and optical communication systems, we are
making research and development on the semiconductor materials and their application
technologies, as well as peripheral technologies in these areas.
Sumitomo Electric’s compound semiconductors and their application
Efficiency (%)
Green semiconductor laser
Innovative plane-direction substrate to overcome the green gap
Green gap
Wavelength (nm)
Electrode
Substrate
Electrode
Green semiconductor laser structure
GaN (0001) plane GaN (2021) plane Green semiconductor laser
Material
Product development and key technologies
CSR approaches
High efficiency
Power devices
OMVPE reactor
Photonic Device
Photonic device
Red laser
Red / Infrared LED
(DVD, PC, automotive and
outdoor display applications)
Infrared laser/
Photo-detector
(Optical communications)
Blue-violet laser
Blue/White LED
(Blu-ray, LCD backlight, outdoor
display and lighting applications)
Ultra-violet laser/
LED
(Sterilization, cleaning and processing)
Electron Device
Construction of Secure and Safe Society,
Preservation of the Environment
Compound
Semiconductors
(GaAs, InP, GaN, AlN)
safer and ecological
manufacturing
processes
OMVPE: Organometallic Vapor Phase Epitaxy
Electronic device
High-frequncy device
Low-noise amplifier
(Mobile phones, wireless
base station and satellite
communication systems)
High-frequency device
High-power device
(Wireless base stations,
power controllers
and electric vehicles)
Next-generation
power device
Core Technologies
Assembly
Design
Device
Process
Characterization
Thin film growth
Equipment
Characterization
High efficiency
Light emitting
devices
Waste gas cleaner
Compound semiconductors are widely used in various
application fields in which silicon devices cannot be used.
Sumitomo Electric has developed a variety of materials as a
pioneer in this field.
Making use of our technologies of bulk crystal growth,
epitaxial growth, simulation technique, characterization and
analysis, we are making research and development on
high-quality, cost-effective solutions for each applicationspecific
need as well as on the challenge for new materials.
Compound semiconductors are widely used for optical
devices and electronic devices. In each of these areas, we
work on technological development aiming at downstream
products such as epitaxial wafers, devices and modules,
based on our material and device technologies.
Compared with Si semiconductors, GaAs, InP, GaN, AlN
and other compound semiconductors, developed at the
Semiconductor Technologies R&D Laboratories, are environmentally
sound materials contributing to high-voltage
and low-power dissipating operation. We also work on the
development of environmentally friendly process technologies
for the manufacturing processes for these products.
The world’s first pure green semiconductor laser have been successfully developed by taking advantage of Sumitomo Electric's
GaN crystal technologies. The development of this green laser realizes red-blue-green (RGB) light sources and leads to
new applications in display market and other fields.
GaN-based transistor
GaN materials have excellent features suited for
electronic device applications. We promote the
development of vertical transistors that make the
most of their excellent features.
The resultant products are expected to surpass Si
devices in speed and energy-saving performance.
Development of Semiconductor Thin Films
Epitaxial
Growth
Technology
Simulation
Technology
Unique
Application
Technology
On-resistance [mΩcm 2 ]
Breakdown voltage [V]
Making use of our technologies of the epitaxial growth, simulation, unique application and the micro-analysis techniques, we
are developing new semiconductor thin films in order to realize innovative devices such as imaging sensors using near infrared
rays and next generation power devices, and so on.
Target
Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM)
Quantum well
structure
InP substrate
Growth technology
of multi-layers
Atomic Force Microscope (AFM)
AlN substrate
Challenge for new materials
in undeveloped-area
Target
Light
sensing
layers
High Al composition
AlGaN thin film
Drain current [mA]
AlGaN/GaN
channel
Vgs=+1V to -3V
step -1V
Source
electrode
Barrier layer
Drift layer
GaN substrate
Drain electrode
Device structure
Near-infrared
ray sensor
Green laser
Power device
Electronic device
Drain voltage [V]
I-V characteristics
Contact layer
Gate electrode
Drain
current
TEM image
35nm
18 19

Information &
Communications Laboratories
Wireless unit for mobile base stations
The Information & Communications Laboratories conduct research and development on information and
communications equipment to create a safe, secure, comfortable and environmentally friendly society.
We work on technological development for optical communications, wireless communications and terminals
that support broadband telecommunications and address the challenges concerning the application
of information and communications technology (ICT) to motor traffic and various other fields.
High-speed optical access system
Speedup via 10G-EPON
10G-EPON
center device
(shared with GE-PON)
IP terminals
Terrestrial/
BS broadcasting
IP set-top box
(IPv6 compatible)
Use of existing PON line
NGN
network
Home gateway
(HGW)
TV
VOD server
IP retransmission
10G-EPON
subscriber’s terminal
10G-EPON
subscriber’s terminal
Phone
IP telephone
network/
server
Subscriber’s
home
Wireless LAN
terminal/mobile
terminal
PC
GE-PON subscriber’s terminal
Shared with
GE-PON
Video service proliferation
Multichannel broadcasting
Higher resolution
Various
servers
Internet
Provide triple-play
services:
phone (IP phone),
video (IP-TV) and
Internet
via safe and high-quality
NGN networks.
We work on the development of small and
Antenna
Internal structure of RRH
Antenna pole
low-power dissipating wireless units (remote
Digital signal
processor
D/A,A/D
converter
to/from
radio head: RRH) for high-speed mobile base
Optical IF
antenna
stations, such as WiMAX and LTE. GaN
Cabinet
devices and envelope tracking(ET) technology
High efficiency amplifier technology have been employed for amplifier efficiency
Envelope Tracking improves amplifier efficiency
Building
improvement. At the same time, our development
roof
Envelope Tracking Fixed bias (non-ET)
Variable bias (ET)
Digital signals
Voltage
efforts are directed toward multi-
antenna technology to support AAS 3 and
Wireless
Time
Base station main unit
signal
Combining all Sumitomo Electric’s optical component and
MIMO. 4
Configuration of
Reduces power consumed in non-ET mode
system technologies, we work on the technological development
mobile base station
*3 AAS:Adaptive array Antenna System
via optical fiber
of 10G-EPON* 1 to achieve ultra-fast 10 Gbps
*4 MIMO:Multiple Input and Multiple Output
access. Through shared use of the GE-PON* 2 branched
optical fiber network currently in widespread use, 10G-
EPON economically increases the speed of access networks
ICT applied to automobile traffic
10-fold.
Wireless communication system for ITS (UHF band)
Keeps track of accurate traffic conditions by combined the
*1 10G-EPON:10 Gigabit Ethernet Passive Optical Network
- Continuous broadcasting messages (sensor, traffic signal info)
use of sensor information and vehicle probe information.
*2 GE-PON:Gigabit Ethernet Passive Optical Network
- Radio waves are shared for vehicle-to-vehicle
and road-to-vehicle communications.
Traffic signal control
- Traffic signal control To create a society characterized by safe and
for reduced traffic
congestion and
safety transport
energy-saving traffic, we work on the development
of advanced signal control technology
Image sensor
Information from infrastructure
Accurately detects cars and motor cycles.
to prevent collisions
and wireless communications and image
Applied Image System
Onboard network Onboard PLC (in vehicle) sensor technologies incorporated in nextgeneration
Communications data superimposed on power line
Our development efforts include the technological development
Life Science
Power line
PLC modem PLC modem PLC modem
ITS. Our development efforts also
of home gateways (HGW) and IP set-top boxes to pro-
Production
Technology
Driving Safety Support System
Safety &
concentrate on LAN architecture and onboard
Security Backbone LAN
vide phone, video and Internet services via the nextgeneration
networks (NGN). Efforts are also under way to
Engine Pattern Recognition
Technology expansion to various fields
Trunk
Branch
PLC as a future automotive technology.
Image Recognition Image Processing
Branch
&
meet the need for new services in collaboration with mobile
phones and various other information terminals.
ICT applied to safe and secure ubiquitous networking
Application to branch lines
Femtocell
Macro cell
base station
Macro cell
base station
Mobile-phone
operator’s
network
IP network
Femtocell
base station
The femtocell base station has come into focus, which connects
mobile phone handsets at home to mobile-phone
operator’s networks via broadband lines such as FTTH and
ADSL.
We work on the development of a product that, incorporating
Sumitomo Electric’s proprietary interference mitigation
technology, enables effortless station installation and
achieves a high transmission rate.
Multi-agent technology
Ubiquitous
networking
Product development to make the best use of autonomous,
collaborative and learning agents
Traffic information service system
Travel time
Probe
Travel time
Car Probe
Probe
Optimized
Travel time
Travel time
Multi-agent
system
Services to support humans
Multi-agent system
Travel time
Car
Probe
Travel time
Travel time
Intersection Intersection Probe
Home ICT application technology
Networks
Crime
prevention
Monitoring
Home network
Sensor network
Home
automation
Power consumption
visualization/management
Use of ICT for home safety, security,
amenity and energy conservation
Our development efforts are focused on
multi-agent technology realizing autonomy,
collaboration and learning capability toward a
ubiquitous networking society in which all
kinds of terminals are networked. At home,
various devices and sensors are connected to
a network to provide services or applications
to ensure safety, security, comfort and energy
conservation.
20 21

Transmission Devices
R&D Laboratories
Optical Transceivers
At the Transmission Devices R&D Labs, we are developing high performance products widely used
in the communication industries. For optical networks, we have developed high performance optical
devices, optical subassemblies and optical transceivers. We have also developed high speed,
high power electron devices such as HEMTs and MMICs for wireless communication. Our development
is based on vertical integration of creative technologies such as crystal growth of compound
semiconductor, wafer processing, assembling technique, and advanced design ability.
Satellite
communication
Optical
signal
Receiver
Electromagnetic
analysis
Transmitter
IC design
Heat radiation
analysis
RF circuit design
Digital control design
Mechanical design
Electrical signal
We are a leading supplier of optical transceivers with small
size and low power consumption, utilizing in-house optical
components/ICs, high-speed analog/digital circuit design
technology, and mechanical implementation technology.
We also contribute toward establishing industrial standards
for optical transceiver specifications, such as
electrical/optical data interfaces and functionality. Our optical
transceiver product family covers a variety of optical
communication interfaces up to 100 Gbit/s.
Rader device
for automotive
Wireless LAN
Wireless Infrastructure
(Long Haul)
Optical communication network
Metro network
Access and PON
Data Center
Wireless
Infrastructure
(Short Haul)
Cellular
Base Station
Wireless Devices
We are a leading company providing GaAs FETs, GaAs HEMTs
(high electron mobility transistors) and GaAs ICs product
family used in a wide range of applications such as satellite
communications and cellular base stations. MMIC (monolithic
microwave integrated circuit) technology is employed in micro
wave and millimeter wave applications.
For next-generation products with higher output power and lower
power consumption, we have successfully developed HEMTs
using the new material gallium nitride (GaN) and have started
mass production of GaN HEMTs for the first time.
Infrared Imaging Sensors
1000
Output power (watt)
100
10
1
0.1
0.01
GaN HEMTs
FET
0.001
1 10 100
Frequency (GHz)
IMFET
PA
LNA
W-CDMA,
PCS,
WiMax,
LTE,
Base Station
HEMT
IMFETs
: Internal matched FET
: Power amplifier
: Low noise amplifier
SATCOM, VSAT, Space,
P-to P Radio
DBS
SATCOM
VSAT
DBS
PA MMICs
PA / LNA MMICs
P-to-P Radio
PA MMICs
Mix / Mult /
Osc MMICs
Rader
: Satellite communication
: Very small aperture terminal
: Direct broadcast satellite
Epitaxial growth technology
InP
Wire
bonding
Wafer
Wafer process
inch
Chip
100 μm
Optical Devices
We have been a leading company of semiconductor optical devices
that are key components in optical communication systems. The product
family covers 10Gbit/s LD, CWDM LD, DWDM electro-absorption
modulators integrated with LDs and tunable LDs, etc.
To provide these devices, we have been developing various edge technologies
such as high quality epitaxial growth technology, sub-micron
wafer process technology, and reliability assurance technology.
Visible
Sensor Chip
Read-Out IC
Near-infarared(NIR)
Automation of Products Quality Inspection
Sensor/Camera
Mid-infrared(MIR)
Mid-infrared camera
Mid-Infrared Laser
Visible Image(CCD)
Near infrared image
Far-Infrared
Toxic・VOC Gas/Environmental Gas Detection System
Si Wafer
We have been developing two-dimensional infrared imaging
sensors based on the photo-detector technologies used for
optical communications.
These sensors have lower noise than conventional ones
and are suitable for microanalysis.
Applications for these sensors can also be found in systems
for two-dimensional diagnosis of tissues, foods and agricultural
products as well as for gas monitoring systems that
measure toxic and environmental gases.
Hermetic
seal
YAG
welding
Optical
Sub-assemblies
10 mm
Optical Sub-Assemblies
Our optical sub-assemblies realize high performance, low power consumption
and compactness with the combination of our own device technologies
such as photo-detectors, light emitting devices, ICs and design
technologies such as high-speed transmission lines and unique packaging.
To meet the requirements of various optical communication systems,
we intend to continuously supply cutting-edge products to the world.
Optical Transceivers for Automotive
Our miniaturized high-speed optical transceiver design technology
with All Grass Fiber (AGF) can be applied to in-vehicle communication
networks as well as public communication networks,
since AGF has a variety of excellent performances, such as wide
bandwidth, small bending loss/radius and high reliability.
W16×D30×H10mm
22 23

Optical Communications
R&D Laboratories
Development of Optical Modules
At the Optical Communications R&D Laboratories, we carry out advanced creative research
and development based on optical fiber technologies, as a foundation for broadband communication
networks. Some of the products we have developed include functional optical
fibers for next-generation optical networks, optical fibers that apply cutting-edge technologies
for popularization of “fiber to the home” (FTTH), and optical interconnections. We are
committed to broadly contributing to society by applying these optical technologies in various
new fields, including for information equipment and optical processing.
Metro
Metro
Amplifier
Long Haul
Metro
Access
(FTTH)
Optical modules developed for use in optical communication
systems contain the following components:
・ROADM (Reconfigurable Optical Add-Drop Multiplexer) for
wavelength switching at optical nodes.
・Er-doped optical fiber amplifier for direct amplification of
optical signals.
・Passive optical components for optical modules (splitter,
wavelength division multiplexer)
Development of Optical Fiber
Splitter
・High spatial resolution monitoring method for passive
optical network (PON) systems using optical coherence
domain reflectometry (OCDR).
Since the early 1970s, the development of Vapor-phase
Axial Deposition (VAD method), an optical fiber manufacturing
technology originally developed in Japan, has been
advanced as a way of mass producing optical fiber.
For functional improvement of optical fiber, renovations in
production technology and structural design are both promoted.
High capacity Fiber for Long Haul Networks
Z-PLUS Fiber enables the launch of a
high power signals, while maintaining low
attenuation characteristics.
Bend-resistant optical fiber for FTTH
PureAccess-R5 has low bending loss,
low loss connectivity with existing fibers
using an original refractive index profile.
Functional Optical Fiber
Fiber Amplifier, Dispersion compensation,
Nonlinear applications.
Pure silica core fiber realizes
world's lowest loss
Z-Fiber boasts the world’s lowest attenuation characteristics
of 0.1484 dB/km @ 1570 nm.
Its optical properties are achieved through the use of a
pure silica core with a fluorine-doped silica cladding.
K. Nagayama et al.,
Electron. Lett., 38 (2002) pp. 1168–1169.
Optical Interconnection Technologies
Multi-fiber optical connectors and connection methods that
consider usability are examined using precise injection
molding technology of submicron accuracy, cultivated as an
optical communication application.
Information equipment requires high-speed transmission
using light for optimal high definition videos.
A ferrule with an integrally molded electrode and optical
fiber hole was developed to simplify the packaging of optoelectronic
devices and optical fibers. This enables great
cost reduction over conventional optical interconnection
modules.
High-Power Optical Applications
Fiber cross section
W. Sakurai et al.,
SEI TECHNICAL REVIEW, No. 66, April 2008, p.134
For optical machining and testing equipment applications,
high-power light sources have been developed.
Pulsed optical fiber laser has high peak optical power of
several tens of kilowatts and high repetition rate over 100
kHz with short pulse duration of few nanoseconds. This
technology has been applied to material processing.
Optical fiber for power delivery such as rectangular formed
optical fiber has been specifically developed. This has
made it possible to form rectangular flat-top beams with
uniform strength distribution.
24 25

Location of research functions
Osaka Works
Newly built main research building
Itami Works
Itami Works, the second oldest works established in Sumitomo Electric,
were opened in Itami City (Hyogo Prefecture) as the foothold of
products other than electric wires, and had long supported diversification
of the company's business. Presently, the works have the
divisions of special steel wires, hardmetal, powder metal products,
synthetic diamonds, and compound semiconductors, as well as the
R&D division of new materials.
Itami Works
1-1-1, Koyakita, Itami, Hyogo
Tel: +81 72 772 3300 Fax: +81 72 772 2525
Industrial Materials and Process Technology R&D Laboratories,
Semiconductor Technologies R&D Laboratories,
R&D General Planning Division
Automotive Technology R&D Laboratories,
Electronics & Materials R&D Laboratories, Analysis Technology Research Center
Yokohama Works
Among all works of Sumitomo Electric, Osaka Works have the longest
history and richest tradition. Osaka Works are the foothold of electric
wires and cables (our major products), and info-communications
systems. The works also serve as the foothold of R&D Group and are
creating new businesses one after another.
Osaka Works
1-1-3, Shimaya, Konohana-ku, Osaka 554-0024, Japan
Tel: +81 6 6466 5651 Fax: +81 6 6463 7229
Automotive Technology R&D Laboratories,
Electronics & Materials R&D Laboratories,
Analysis Technology Research Center,
Power System R&D Laboratories,
Information & Communications Laboratories,
R&D General Planning Division,
New Business Frontier R&D Laboratories
(Water Business /Agriculture Business Development Department)
Industrial Materials and Process Technology R&D Laboratories,
Semiconductor Technologies R&D Laboratories,
Transmission Devices R&D Laboratories
Yokohama Works located at southern end of Yokohama City (near
Shonan Area) have largest site area among all Sumitomo Electric
works. The works were opened as the Kanto district foothold of communication
cables. The works presently manufacture various cables
(including power cables and optical fiber cables), optical communication
equipment, and other products. Research and development of
optoelectronics are also conducted here
Yokohama Works
1, Taya-cho, Sakae-ku, Yokohama
Tel: +81 45 853 7182 Fax: +81 45 852 0597
Transmission Devices R&D Laboratories,
Optical Communications R&D Laboratories,
New Business Frontier R&D Laboratories
(Lifescience Business Development Department)
Analysis Technology Research Center
Head Office (Tokyo)
Shibaura Renasite Tower 3-9-1 Shibaura,
Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8539
Tel: +81 3 6722 3100
R&D General Planning Division
The Head Office (Tokyo) is located near JR Tamachi Station, relocated from Motoakasaka,
Minato-ku as of June 2009.
The Head Office is the cornerstone of our Sales Group that deals with various products
and services ranging from national projects and public works to consumer products.
It also acts as a domestic and international hub for information exchange.
Overseas Operations (U.S.A.)
Innovation Core SEI, Inc.
Add : 2355 Zanker Road, San Jose, CA 95131, U.S.A
Tel : +1-408-232-9698
I
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rtic
icip
ipat
ion in
standard
rdiz
atio
n
co
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itte
tees
es
Join
int rese
ar
ch
with Ame
merican
un
iv
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siti
ties
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int deve
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pm
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with Start
up and
ot
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ogra
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form
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oi
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de
ve
lopm
pmen
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a VC
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sine
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opport
rtunit
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rv
ey
for te
ch
nolo
logical
se
eds
IEEE 802.11.15.16, etc.
Support for/implementation of joint research with major universities
Automotive, life science, etc.
Environment, energy and other fields
Smart grid, etc.
S
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26 27